Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax Optio RZ18 Announced

The Pentax Optio RZ18 is a new point and shoot model with a 16MP image sensor and 18x optical zoom (25-450mm equivalent). The RZ18 also features sensor-shift image stabilization, a 3-inch 460k-dot LCD and 720p HD video.

The Pentax Optio RZ18 should be available in October for $299.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Optio RZ18 will be available in black, pearl white or metallic orange for $299.95 USD in October 2011.

PENTAX Imaging Company is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of Hoya Corporation.

On July 1, 2011, Hoya announced an agreement to transfer the PENTAX Imaging Systems business to RICOH Corporation. The effective date of the sale is set for October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

PENTAX OPTIO RZ18 FACT SHEET
18X optical zoom lens with 25mm wide-angle coverage to handle a variety of subjects and scenes
The Optio RZ18 features a high-performance 18X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 25mm wide angle to 450mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). The extra-wide zoom range captures a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to fast-action sports events. It also offers high-quality macro shooting down to just four centimeters from the subject and a digital wide function for an ultra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approximately 19mm lens in the 35mm format) from two separate images. An Intelligent Zoom function further extends the zoom range to approximately 130 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 3250mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format).

Exceptional image quality assured by latest super-resolution technology
With 16 effective megapixels, a high-performance smc PENTAX zoom lens and the advanced image processing system — a system that uses the latest super-resolution technology to optimize image quality through meticulous section-by-section treatment of the captured image — the Optio RZ18 delivers well-defined, high-quality images with extra-fine resolution. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

Multiple Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images
With a sensor-shift Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism and Pixel Track SR, the Optio RZ18’s dual shake reduction effectively reduces camera shake to a minimum for more blur-free images even under shake-prone shooting conditions such as when using the telephoto lens or when shooting at sunset or in indoor scenes. Other SR options include traditional high ISO Digital SR and Movie SR for steady video recording.

Extra-large 3 inch LCD monitor
The Optio RZ18 features an HVGA high-resolution 3 inch color LCD monitor. This extra-large monitor provides a clear view of images and menus so photographers easily may check captured images and menu settings. The Optio RZ18 also offers a setting to magnify the letters displayed, by which users can further enhance the legibility of the menus and the operability of the camera.

Auto Picture mode
The Optio RZ18 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions on and around the subject. This user-friendly mode selects one of 16 shooting modes (including Blue Sky, Sunset, Pet, and many more) and optimizes various camera settings (including sensitivity and shutter speed) for better results with minimal effort.

Upgraded Pet mode for automatic detection of dog and cat faces
The Optio RZ18 features the latest version of the Pet mode, which comes in handy when taking pictures of dogs and cats. This unique mode not only detects the faces of dogs and cats with great accuracy, but it also gives priority to three pre-registered pet faces over unregistered ones, so that users can effortlessly focus on and expose for their own pets when in a group of pets.

High-quality HDTV movie recording
The Optio RZ18 captures beautiful, 720p high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie Shake Reduction (SR) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software. With the Optio RZ18, everyone can enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.* When the Optio RZ18’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots
The Optio RZ18 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function. This sophisticated feature instantly and accurately detects as many as 32 faces within the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds — even when some of the faces are tilted or turned away from the camera. To assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, the Optio RZ18 also comes equipped with other user-friendly features, including:

Smile Capture mode that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile

Blink Detection function that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.